The support of the Ead Samawi Foundation in 2019 and 2020 contributed to the construction of the ICRC physical rehabilitation center in Erbil, Iraq. Present in Iraq since the Iran-Iraq war in 1980, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) focuses on addressing the consequences of armed conflicts and other situations of violence. Although large-scale military operations are over, and more attention has been given to recovery and reconstruction efforts, millions of people across Iraq remain in need of humanitarian assistance. As part of its operations in country, the ICRC seeks to ensure that persons with physical disabilities have access to services and programmes that help them reach their full potential in society.

On 15 March 2022, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) formally opened its new Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Erbil, north of Iraq. The 14,630 sqm compound is the largest in the country. The ICRC’s physical rehabilitation center in Erbil significantly improves access to rehabilitation services for people in the region, as well as those from other governorates where such care is limited or unavailable. The center provides comprehensive services, including physiotherapy and the production of prostheses and orthoses, enabling thousands of individuals to regain mobility and independence. Each year, up to 6,000 people benefit from these essential services, helping them overcome physical limitations and rebuild their lives. Recognizing that rehabilitation goes beyond medical care, the ICRC also supports civil society organizations in promoting the social and economic inclusion of people with physical disabilities in their communities. Additionally, to prevent further injuries, the ICRC works to mitigate the risks posed by explosive remnants of war and mines, including through awareness raising sessions in communities at risk.

Through these efforts, the ICRC is not only addressing the immediate medical needs of people with disabilities but also working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive. By combining its expertise in health services, physical rehabilitation, and protection, the ICRC remains a vital force in helping those affected by conflict regain their dignity, autonomy, and place in society.